Thousands of the faithful converge at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru, Kenya, for the annual National Prayer Day, marked this year under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Renewing Our Nation,” which included the dedication of the country to the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church.
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Archdiocese of Nyeri, drew bishops from across Kenya, clergy, religious, and lay faithful who joined the Holy Mass in prayer, reflection, and recommitment to national renewal.
Dedication the Kenya to Mary, Mother of God
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of the Archdiocese of Kisumu, and the Chairperson of Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, led the prayer dedicating the country under the protection of the Mother of God, her maternal care and intercession as an expression of deep trust in Mary’s role as the Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace.
The Bishops of Kenya sought Mary’s protection and God’s light amidst perceived darkness, corruption, and injustice within the nation, asking for Mary’s intercession for divine guidance and leadership, as well as to foster a spirit of integrity and social conscience among the people.
Dedication of the country under the guidance of Mary Mother of God on the National Day of Prayer
Pastoral letter gift to young people of Kenya
Archbishop Muhatia of the Archdiocese of Kisumu read in brief the pastoral letter from the conference of Bishops to the youth, calling them “protagonists of hope” and urging them to “arise and tune in to find frequency in hope, faith, and charity.”
He reminded young people that they are pilgrims of hope with a clear destination of heaven. “God is present; we are his children. Christ is alive and is in our midst. He is not a theory or a principle of life; He is life Himself,” he quoted from the letter.
The letter was based on five main themes: identity in Christ, encountering Christ in our story, moral courage and chastity, moving from brokenness to hope, and hope for Kenya.
Referring to St. Carlo Acutis, recently canonized by Pope Leo XIV, he said, “All people are born as originals and die as photocopies.” He reiterated to the youth, “We are proud of you as original people for the Church; we urge you to arise and tune in to find frequency in hope, faith, and charity as protagonists of change.”
Young people were invited to tune in to God’s voice and to love, which will help them find meaning in life, and journey with the story of the Samaritan woman meeting with Jesus at the well.
Jesus was beyond cultural and religious prejudices, he said, urging young people not to look at themselves as members of their tribes or generation, but as a unique product of God’s love, openness of heart, and wisdom of living. “Every one of you is a protagonist of change in our mother land,” he said.
The youths are the renewing signs of the world and nation as witnesses of faith
Message of hope
During the homily, Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u of the Diocese of Embu, said, “God has pitched His tent in our country as a sign that He’s there for us even in the various challenges that we go through.”
He said the dedication of the country to Mary is a sign that Kenyans have an intercessor and will renew their life as she renewed the marriage at Cana, where wine had finished.
“There’s hope, and hope doesn’t disappoint. We have to be a presence of God where we come from and God’s sign to the nation for all,” the bishop echoed.
Bishop Kimani stressed, “Let us make our nation a sign for all the nations, where trust, truth, integrity, love, peace, and hope can be found starting from our homes and hearts to where we are.”
hopeful pilgrims for a better country
Stay united
The Bishop invited young people to resist human divisions, both political and cultural, as they are gathered in faith to be one and foster an environment of inclusive listening to each other and listen to the Holy Spirit to what God is telling them.
He said there is a great need for peace, unity, and healing across Kenya’s divisions, saying the common good must transcend narrow interests, so that no one may be left behind. Reconciliation, he said, is a process that demands humility and dialogue.
Calling of young people
Young people are the renewing signs of the world and nation as witnesses of faith, he said.
“You still remain a sign of hope; seek Christ as your center,” he reminded them “St. Carlo Acutis was young, and his life attests that sainthood is possible at a youthful age.”
The Bishop said encouraged young Kenyans to put their families first, so that they may be the wellspring of a desire to include others.
Coming together to pray for the country and especially the youth the church of today
